Children have a ball with musicals

CINDERELLA and a 1950s Motown musical are an unlikely combination, but for the 200 children and teens combining them for performances in Adelaide, they are a perfect fit.

Along with other young talents, Eve Green, Patch Willes, Ashleigh Hauschild and Jordan Tamljenovic will meet for two weeks to create and perform their own musical. Picture: Dean Martin

CINDERELLA and the glitz of a 1950s Motown musical are an unlikely combination.

But for the 200 children and teens combining them for performances in Adelaide, they are a perfect fit.

South Australian-based Pelican Productions holds a music theatre camp during the January school holidays each year.

The group's co-director Jen Frith said it was a chance for young people aged between about eight and 18 to learn tricks of the trade.

"This year we're looking at a collection of musicals combining all sorts of things ranging from Cinderella to the Addams Family and Memphis, a new musical that's a 50s Motown one," she said.

"Kids travel from all over the place to take part, from Darwin and Melbourne."

Adelaide teenager Ashleigh Hauschild, 19, hopes to have a career in musical theatre and is taking part in the camp for the third time. "I love working with experienced people," she said.

Visit www.pelicanproductions.com.au for information on shows this weekend.